- Crimson and Clover · 1968
- Crimson & Clover · 1968
- I Think We're Alone Now · 1967
- Crimson and Clover / Some Kind of Love [Digital 45] · 1968
- Crimson and Clover · 1968
- 1971 · 1971
- The Complete Roulette Albums · 1966
- Woodstock Rock · 1969
- I Think We're Alone Now · 1967
- Celebration: The Complete Roulette Recordings (1966-1973) · 1969
- Celebration: The Complete Roulette Recordings (1966-1973) · 2002
- Crimson and Clover · 1967
- Dance Craze Hits · 1966
Essential Albums
- The psychedelic era changed the game for everyone. Hard rock artists worked on the album format and singles artists like Tommy James & The Shondells worked up singles that were their own peculiar trip. While James and his cohorts were lumped into the “bubblegum” category, their artistic range and experimentalism led them far further afield than their radio reputation suggests. “Crimson and Clover” was the overwhelming hit here, and deservedly so, but the artful “Crystal Blue Persuasion” was a close runner up. However, beyond these two well-noted tracks are some beautifully freaked-out moments such as “I’m a Tangerine” and “Sugar On Sunday” and power-pop cuts like “Do Something to Me,” “Breakaway” and “I’m Alive,” where the band explores their funkier side (which had always been part of James’ arsenal reaching back to the first album). “Kathleen McArthur” is a sweet ballad worthy of Donovan. It’s amazing just how unforced and eclectic James actually was. For those who wish to peek behind the curtain, this is a fine place to start.
- Tommy James & The Shondells were known as a singles artist; their albums were considered a secondary concern. But that doesn’t mean they didn’t record several substantial albums during their prime. There is no conceptual thrust here or any grand ambition, but the songs themselves are quite good. “Mony Mony” was the blockbuster hit, but other tracks such as the nicely orchestrated “Do Unto Me,” the Beach Boys-like vocal swoons of “(I’m) Taken” and the ambitious jolt of “Somebody Cares” make for a satisfying snapshot of mid-‘60s pop-rock. “Gingerbread Man,” with its groovy organ, proves the group was very aware of the psychedelic world, figuring out ways to acclimate without losing their commercial appeal. “Some Kind of Love” adds congas to the lively vocal interplay that gave the group much of their glory. While 1968 was a dark time for the nation and much of the music reflected this, Tommy James & The Shondells found rays of light to keep spirits up.
Albums
- 1970
- 1968
- 1968
- 1967
- 1966
- 1966
Artist Playlists
- Bubblegum kings who opened their minds to psychedelia.
Singles & EPs
Compilations
About Tommy James & The Shondells
Few acts had a better run on the pop charts in the '60s than Tommy James & the Shondells. James has a strong, expressive voice and a way with upbeat pop tunes that have a solid rock & roll punch. The band crafted superior AM pop/rock tunes like "Hanky Panky," "I Think We're Alone Now," "It's Only Love," and "Mony Mony." As psychedelia worked its way into mainstream acceptance later in the decade, they kept up with the times on the hits "Crimson and Clover" and "Crystal Blue Persuasion." The Shondells weren't considered very hip in their heyday, but they remain one of the best-remembered acts of the era. 1967's I Think We're Alone Now and 1969's trippy Cellophane Symphony were strong albums from the group's original run.
- ORIGIN
- Niles, MI, United States
- FORMED
- 1964
- GENRE
- Rock